Partnerships of hope - Building a Community

The birth of a Waldorf school has its origins in the deep commitment of one or more individuals to the ideals of Waldorf education. Such a commitment may arise through visiting an existing school, or by reading a book on Waldorf education, or through hearing an inspiring lecture. The ideals of the education light up, and an individual or a small group may say, “!is community needs a Waldorf school and I am going to work on it!” !is lighting up, this moment of conception, happens in a great variety of ways. 

In Jagad Alit - Waldorf, we build the commitment and positive working relationships through many activities. Iden Wildensyah, one of our colleagues kindly taught us to basic woodworking. It's not just about creating something, but moreover it's about togetherness, nurturing our body, soul and spirit!

Waldorf schools and early childhood centers participate in collaborative leadership processes. These take many forms. The freedom for our spiritual work and research arises from within the forms we build together and the leadership wherein we place our trust.

Early-childhood faculty groups can explore 

other ways to collaborate that will build 

positive working relationships. 

Many groups who engage in artistic activity together 

report that this collaboration benefits the social fabric 

of the group, enlivening formerly routine business discussions.

There is much work to be done in a Waldorf kinder. As the calm and steady focal point, the teacher places herself in the center of all the activity, projecting an attitude of purpose and enthusiasm for her work. Preparing the food, dusting, polishing,

repairing toys, folding the laundry, washing the dishes, sewing, and mending are all jobs the children can learn to accomplish.

The purposeful task performed with hand tools and wood parallels the intentional work and responsible laborers of the outside world.

Woodworking begins in grade five when students harvest wood from nature and use hand tools to give it form and function. Students are introduced to botany and the properties inherent in various woods. Their senses are awakened to many experiences: their hands begin to develop strength; hand and eye coordination improves with the repetition of movement; and technique is developed.